Team Dover's guide to the Monster Mile

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Beginning June 1, the roar of engines will fill the air - not the result of departing C-5 Galaxy's, but of dozens of high-performance NASCAR racers tearing up the Monster Mile at Dover International Speedway, Del.

Though the races are the main attraction, there are plenty of events available for Team Dover members to get the full NASCAR experience. For example, racing fans will have the opportunity to enjoy Team Dover's bi-annual pre-race celebration, the NASCAR Social (events listed below). The event takes place from 5:30 - 9 p.m. June 1 at the Landings Club here. Admission is free for all Department of Defense ID card holders.

Furthermore, a group of all-female Airmen will be treated to a close-up view of the race by Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing. These women will help serve on the pit-crew of a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing team - a first for Team Dover's NASCAR involvement. For Staff Sgt. Tiffany Sauler of the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the opportunity will be the first of its kind.

"The only experience I have with racing is watching the movie 'Cars'," said Sauler. "I am very excited for this opportunity to break into a traditionally male-dominated sport."

The involvement between the race and the base is not one-sided: on the Wednesday and Thursday before the race, a tour group of NASCAR drivers, family members and crew members is scheduled to meet with Airmen throughout Dover AFB; during the races, honor guard and chapel members will participate in the pre-race ceremonies.

Whether enjoying the race from the grandstands or at home, Team Dover members can share their involvement in the race with the world through social media. Team Dover members can "Like" the 436th Airlift Wing Facebook page to access and post real-time updates about military involvement at the races.

This year's NASCAR Social will feature:
  • Autograph signing by Richard Petty, Aric Alirola, Michael Annett, Jamie Dick, Sam Hornish Jr., TJ Bell and Jeremy Clements (drivers are subject to change).
  • Tire-changing challenge
  • Sprint NASCAR simulator
  • Micro-racing
  • Live music by Shawn and Hobby Band
  • Face painting
  • Bounce house
  • Clowns
  • Free pizza
  • Outdoor Recreation; Information, Tickets and Travel; and the Arts and Crafts Center will host an "open house" during the event.
  • Outdoor Recreation and Information, Tickets and Travel will host: a travel expo, drawings for various prizes, paintball demonstrations, recreation equipment displays and an outdoor cinema system demonstration.
  • The Arts and Crafts Center will host: a car show, artisans and crafters, art demonstrations, door prizes and sales.